PODCAST

February 21st, 2018

The feeling of being excluded is very painful. Perhaps all humans are acquainted with this, because we have all been excluded at some time or the other. Yet, can God feel excluded and rejected?

Consider the prophecy of Zechariah. God says that even the things that were supposed to be for Him, like fasting and religious festivals, now exclude Him. It was all about the worshipers–their agendas and desires–and God, instead of being worshiped, was left standing on the outside. God says, “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her” (Zechariah 8:2). God knows when He is being left out.

How do we know if our worship is genuine and not for self-gratification? By the manner in which we treat the people God loves, by how we treat the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, or the poor.

It is fortunate that God’s response to our worship does not depend on our performance, but on His loving kindness. He is always ready to accept and forgive us when we take notice of His Word and respond in obedience to His direction.